Carton-sealing machine



March 17,1931.

J. T. GORDON CARTON SEALING. MACHINE Filed Dec. 29, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet1 INVENTOR 'R Gordon;

ATTO R N E Y March 1 7, 1931. I ,J. T.-'GORDON CARTON 'SEAL'ING MAGHINE29, 192 9 .Shet-Sheet 2 Filed Dec.

INVENTO R John T. Gordon,

ATTORNEY March 17, 19 31 J. T. GORDON CARTON SEALING MACHINE 29 1926 9Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec.

. INVENTOR John '1. Gordon BY 7W ATTQRNE March 17, 1931.

J. T. GORDON CARTON SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec.

29', 1926 9 Sheets- INVENTOR oirm T. Gordon,

* ATTOR EY March 17, 1931 v JQT, GORDON CARTON SEALING MACHINE 9Sheets-Sheef' 6 mm m Filed Dec. 29,

I'M. him

NVENTOR n'RGordon,

ATTORNEY 1 March 17, 1931. J T GORDON CIAR'I'ON SEALING MACHINE FiledDec; 29, 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR iiohn'ffionlon,

ATTORNEY March 17, 1931* J. T. GORDON 1,797,191

' CARTON SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec- 29 1926 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORJohnT. Gordon,

BY 747M ATTURNEY March 1'1,- 1931.

J. T, .GORDQN CARTON SEALING MACHINE Filed Dec. 29 192/6 9 Sheets-Sheet9 to SF INVENTOR John T. Gordon,

ATTORN EY ?atented Margl'Y, 1931 OFF! E JOHN '1. GORDON, OF AKRON, OHIO,ASSIGNOR TO THE GOODYEAR TIRE& RUBBER COM- PANY, OF AKRON, OHIO, ACORPORATION OF OHIO CARTON-SEALING- MACHINE Application filed December29, 1926. Serial No. 157,696.

My invention relates generally to machines which are adapted to preparemanufactured articles for shipment, and it has particular relation tomachines of the above designated character which shall be especiallyadapted for sealing cartons in which the articles have already beenplaced.

More specifically, my invention relates to a machine for automaticallysealing relatively small cartons of the type having end closing membersconsisting of two relatlvely short edge flaps and a single relativelylong of space, will eliminate all manual operationsand will close andseal cartons of the character indicated in a minimum length of tlme.

articles for shipment consists of packing the article units, which mayinclude any num ber of separate elements, into individual cartons bymeans of anautomatic carton packing machines This machine assembles andpacks the cartons at a relatively high rate of speed, after which anumber of cartons so assembled and packed are placed manually in alarger shipping carton for the purpose of transportation anddistribution. The ends of the individual cartons assembled bythismachine are each closed by means of a relatively long integral two partcreased 'or hinged flap projecting from one side of the carton which isfolded over a pair of shorter flaps projecting from sides adjacentthereto and with the end thereof extending within the carton adjacentthe side opposite from that to which it is attached. Small articles havebeen packed and shipped in this type of carton of its several operationsto A previously known method of preparing for a great number of years,but, as the free end of the carton closing flap, if not sealed, becomeseasily dislodged from its totally closed position, it occasionallyhappens that some or all of the articles contained therein are lost,particularly if those articles are small compared to the size of thecarton.

However, a great amount of labor and floor space is required in theprocess of sealing the cartons manually, which my invention is designedto minimize.

The particular type of carton which is illustrated in connection withthe specific enrbodiment of my invention disclosed by thisapplicationmay be constructed from paper board or other suitable flexible sheetmaterial and comprises four interconnected sides with suitable flapsextending from the ends of certain of the sides for closing the open endthereof. Two of the opposite parallel sides of the carton may benarrower than the remaining two, if the carton is of rectangularcross-section, and relatively short flaps are adapted to extend fromeach end of each of these sides. Two other flaps, which aresubstantially longer than the width of the sides having the short flaps,extend from opposite ends of each of the remaining sides and each v ofthese flaps is adapted to fold over two of the short flaps and thehinged end portions thereof are adapted to extend into the cartonadjacent the side thereof opposite that to which it is attached.However, my machine is not limited in its application to cartons of thisexact construction, but may be readily adapted to operate upon any othertype of carton. i

My invention comprises an apparatus which is adapted to receive-cartonsfrom a conveyor of another machine, or it may be operated independently,the cartons being supplied to the ingress guideway of the machine by anysuitable means, either manually or automatically. When supplied to themachine, the cartons are arranged in alignment within a guideway withthe ends to be sealed by the machine abutting the respective ends ofother adjacent cartons. An appro-' priate feeding mechanismintermittently moves additional cartons into the guideway,

and as a result thereof, the carton at the opposite end is forced fromthe guideway into a second guideway disposed at right angles.

to the first.

The cartons are intermittently moved for wardly within the "secondguideway into a position adjacent a stop mechanism and a plurality offingers intermittent-1y reciprocating in a direction transverse to theprevious motion of the carton extend between the closed flaps ofadjacent sides of the carton and deposit a quantity of sealing liquidtherebetween. When the stop mechanism re pressure upon the sealed flapportions of the carton as it is carried along thereby through a heateddrying chamber. 7

When the cartons emerge from the heating chamber, the sealing liquidupon the flaps thereof will have become hardened and the flapsthereafter will be securely maintained in a closed osition, after whichthe cartons may be pac ed by any suitable method, into larger packingcases adapted for shipment.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference may now be had tothe accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of the machine disclosedbythis specification which illustrates one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2-is also a. side elevational view of a portion. of my machine, theview being taken from the side .opposite to that shown by Fig. 1; I

' Fig. 3 is a plan view of the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2,certain portions thereof being omitted for the sake of clearness;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of my machine, the section being takenalong the lines- IV-IV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a view, partially in elevation and partially in cross-section,of the driving and feeding mechanism of my machine, showing aportion ofa machine adapted to pack and assemble the cartol s, which may beoperatively associated with my machine, if desired.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of the mechanism illustrated by Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a detail view, partially in elevation and partially incross-section, of a portion of the carton handling mechanism of mymachine, the view being taken substantially along the line VIIVII ofFig. 3; .s

Fig. 8 is an elevational view illustrating a portion of the machineoperating mechanism I actuated by a driving shaft thereof;

Fig. 9 is a view partially in elevation and partially in section takensubstantially along the line IX-IX of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the mechanism employed to stop andmaintain the cartons in a fixed position while the gluing operation isbeing performed;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view ofa mechanism adapted to cooperate with aglue dis pensing apparatus to insure a uniform rate offeed of glueto theglue distributing mechanism;

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the end of the conveyor oppositeto that illus-- Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the drying chamberconstituting a portion of my machine;

Fig. 14 is an isometric View of the steam heating system which isemployed to heat the drying chamber; and,

Fig. 15 1s a perspective View of one of the units which are employed forexerting additional and variable pressure upon the cartons through theagency of the conveyor belts.

In practicing my invention I employ a plurality of brackets 10, of anirregular sub-stantially U-shape, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 13, whichare adapted to serve as supporting members for the apparatus. Thebrackets 10 comprise legs 11, portions of which are arranged in parallelrelationship and are adapted to be secured to the floor by means ofbolts 12. A channel iron 13 is bolted to the top of each of the brackets10 by means 'of bolts 14. As best illustrated in Figs. 1

and 2,-a pair of spaced strap iron frame members 16 are fastened to theflanges of the channel iron 13 adjacent one end thereof, by

means of bolts 17 and comprise vertically extending portions 15. Theseframe members 16 com-prise, in addition to the vertically disposedportions 15, horizontally extending portions 18 extending atright anglesfrom the upper ends of the vertical portions 15 and vertical portions 19extending downwardly from the opposite ends of the horizontal portions18.

The lower end of each of the vertical portions 19 of the frame 16 isbolted to the end of one of a pair of parallel iron bars 21, asillustrated by. the numerals 23. The bars 21 are adapted to serve aslongitudinalsup ports for a sealing liquid drying apparatus 20, which isone of the elements'of my machine. A second pair of bars 25 are disposeddirectly beneath and parallel to the bars 21,

to provide additional longitudinal supports for the liquid dryinapparatus 20. These bars extend beyond t e ends of the members 21andconstitute a portion of the frame of 'the carton sealing mechanism.

A strap metal member 27, of substantially U-shape, is providedwithvertical portions 26, each of which is fastened to one of the bars21 and 25, by means of the bolts 28, as

best shown in Figs. 1 and 13. A. horizontal portion 29 of the strapmember 27 is securely clined portions 33, having ends 34 extending bestshown in Fig. 4.

w a sprocket wheel 47 and a cam 48, both of at substantially rightangles thereto, to each of which one of the bars 25 may be securelyfastened by means of a machine screw 36, as

As illustrated in Fig. 6, a main power shaft 37 is j ournalled adjacentone end in a bearing 38 which may, if desired, be mounted upon v anassociated packin and assembling machine, a portion of w ich isindicated at 39.

Briefly, the assemblingand packing machine 39 is adapted to open thecarton blanks into which the articles are packedand fold and close theend flaps thereof prior to the operation of my machine. Of course, it isto be understood that the cartons may be folded and packed in anydesired manner,

either manually or automatically, and the drive shaft 37 andits-bearings may be independent of any other machine. i

As shown in Fig. 6, cams 42 and 44, which are mounted upon the shaft 37and two rods .45 and 46, which are respectively actuated by the cams 42and 44, are elements of the mechanism of the packing machine 39 and formno art of the present invention.

11 connection with-the operation of my machine, the shaft 37 may beprovided with which may be keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to theshaft 37. A .roller member 49 is rotatably mounted upon a pin 52 whichextends transversely from one side of a bifurcated arm 54. The roller 49is adapted to rest upon and is actuated by the peripheral surface of thecam 48. j

The shaft 37 isadapted-to extend between bifurcated portions 55 of thearm 54, and the roller member. 49, while traversing the irregularsurface of the cam 48, reciprocates the arm 54 upon the shaft 37. Thearm 54 may be formed integral if desired or, as shown by Figs. 5 and 6,may be composed of twoseparate pieces 56 and 57, the latter beingbifurcated to receive the shaft 37. The portions 56 and 57 are securelyfastened together by means of suitable fastening means. As shown, thepin 52, on which the roller member 49 is mounted, is employed for thispurpose. The arm 54 is pivotally mounted upon the end of an arm 59, bymeans of a bolt 58. The arm 59 is rigidly mounted upon a collar 62,which is rigidly secured to a shaft 64 means of a set screw 65. v

The shaft 64 isjournalled at opposite ends in bearing members 66 and 67.A collar 68, which is keyed to the end of the shaft 64, extends beyondthe bearing 66 and is provided with an arm 69 which extends radiallythere from, as best illustrated in Fig. 5. The bearing 67 may be securedto an adjacent portion of the frame of the packing machine 39, while thebearing 66 is fastened to a bracket 72 by means of bolts 71. The bracket72 comprises a vertical portion 73, a horizontal portion-74 extendingfrom the lower end thereof, and a vertical portion 75 extending upwardlyfrom the opposite end of the horizontal portion 74. The vertical portion75 of the bracket 72, together with a vertically extending leg of anangular bracket 76, is secured to the side of the frame of the machine39 by' means of bolts 77. i Y

A bar 78 is slidably mounted within a recess in a block 79, the blockbeing formed integral with the end of a right-angular bracket 80. Thelower end of the transverse portion of the bracket 80 abuts the end ofthe vertical portion 75 of the bracket 72 and is also secured to theframe of the machine 39 adjacent the bracket 76 by means of a bolt 81.The top surface of the block 79 may be covered by a plate 83, which isadapted to maintain the bar 78 in a positive position within the recesswhich is formed in the block.

To one end of the bar 78 is pivotally secured a link member 84 by meansof a pin 82. An opening in the opposite end of the also extends throughan opening in the end of the arm '69 and pivotally secures the linkthereto. The endof the bar 78 opposite to that pivotally secured to thelink 84 is provided with an elongate opening 86, as best shown in Fig.6, which slidably engages a pin 87 rigidly secured to the-machine 39 andadapted to serve as a guide for the end of the bar 78. Between the slot86 and the block 79 a pawl 88 is pivotally secured to the bar 78 bymeans of a pin 89. The pawl is adapted to operatively engage the teethof a ratchet wheel 92, keyed upon a short vertical shaft 94. The shaft94 is journalled in a bearing 95, which is rigidly secured to a portion96 of the vertically'disposed leg of the bracket 76, by means of machinescrews 97.

Rigidly secured to the upper end of the shaft 94 I have provided a discor wheel 98, the hub portion of which rests upon the upper surface ofthe bearing 95. The opposite end of the shaft 94 has a collar 99 securedthereupon by means of a set screw 104, which is adapted to prevent endplay of the shaft 94. The disc or wheel 98 is provided with a pluralityof spaced teeth-like projections 105, extending radially from theperiphery thereof, the spacing of these projections being determined bythe size ofthe cartons upon which the machine is designed to operate.

It is evident that, as the shaft 37 rotates the cam.48, the rollermember 49 will cause lengthwise reciprocation of the bifurcated member54, which will in turn oscillate the shaft 64 and operate the ratchetand pawl mechanism giving intermittent rotation to the wheel 98.

In order to prevent spinning of the wheel 98, when the teeth of theratchet wheel 92 are forcibly engaged by the pawl 88, I provide afriction brake 106, which is adapted to engage the opposite sides of thewheel 98, as

.best illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6. The brake upon which to secure thestrap member 114, also serves as a brace to prevent vibrationof thevertical portion 73 of the bracket 72.

A friction lining 116 comprising a pair of strips of leather pr othersuitable materlal maybe secured to the strap members 107 and 108adjacent opposite surfaces of the wheel 98. A bolt 117, which extendsthrough the strap members 107 and 108 at a point spaced from theperiphery of the wheel 98 is provided with a wing nut 102 and spring103, by means of which the leather strips on the arms 107 and 108 aremaintained in adjustable frictional engagement with the wheel 98 I havealso provided positive means to completely stop the rotation of thewheel 98 at approximately the point where the ratchet and pawldiscontinues the rotation thereof. This stop mechanism includes a member118 of triangular shape,- as best shown in Figs.

5 and 6, "'pivotally secured at one corner thereof to an angular bracket119, by means of a. bolt 120. The remaining leg of the angular bracket119 may be bolted or otherwise conveniently'secured to the verticalportion 7 3 of the bracket 72. A lug 124 is secured to another corner ofthe member 118, which is adapted to move into the path of theprojections 105 extending from the periphery of the wheel 98, when themember 118 is rotated in a clockwise direction about the bolt 120.

The remaining corner of the member 118 is secured to one end of a'link125 by means of a bolt 126, and the opposite end of the link ispivotally secured to the arm 69 between the bolt 85 and the shaft 64.When the'arm 69 actuates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, the arm willalso rotate the member 118 about the bolt 120 as a pivot and the lug 124will move toward the wheel 98. The relative motion of the lug 124 andthe teeth 105 of the wheel 98 is such that the lug will pass between twoof the teeth 105 of the wheel and engage the approaching tooth atapproximately the same time that the pawl 88 disengages the tooth of theratchet .wheel 92, and the rotation of the wheel 98 discontinuesimmediately. Concurrent with the return movement of the pawl, the lug124 moves cooperation with which my machine is adapt-,

The arm 127 is oscillated iIied to operate. termittently between the twopositions illustrated in Fig. 6 by the cam actuated. rod

45 which is secured at one end to a crank 130 i that is mounted on thelower end of the shaft 128. This arm is adapted to push the cartonssuccessively from a conveyor mechanism 129 of the machine 39, and themovement of the wheel 98 isso timed with respect thereto that a cartonis disposed between a pair of the teeth 105 at each oscillation of thearm. The motion of the arm 127 is, of course,

synchronized with the intermittent motion ofthe wheel 98 and the teeth105 which project into the guideway 120 move the cartons there- .throughand into a guideway 131,

A leaf spring 132, which is arranged at one side of the guideway 131,has a portion 133 extending thereinto and this spring is adapted toexert a light pressure upon one side of a carton indicated by thenumeral 134, which occupies the position at the end of the guideway 131opposite the wheel 98, and by forcing the carton against. the oppositeside of the guideway prevents free motion thereof during the interval inwhich the Wheel 98 is at rest. The end. of. the spring opposite theportion 133 maybe riveted or otherwise conveniently secured'to theguideway 131, as indicated at 135. A portion of the leaf springintermediate the ends thereof rests against the end of a set screw 136extending through a bracket 137, secured to the guideway 131. The screw136 serves as a stop to adjust the extent of the force which may beexerted by the portion 133 against the carton'which occupies theposition illustrated by the numer al 134. I

It is evident that when the wheel 98 moves .a carton into the guideway131, a carton at the opposite end thereof is discharged from theguideway. The operation ofthe machine upon this latter carton will bemore completely described hereinafter.

v As shown in Figs. 1', 2 and 6, the sprocketbracket 142. The bearingbracket may be bolted or otherwise rigidly secured to the channel iron13-, as indicated at 143. The opposite end of the shaft 141 is journaledin each of two bearing. portions 144 and 145 which project from abracket 146. The bracket 146 has an elongate-horizontally ex-. tendingportion 147, which is bolted to the channel iron 13 as indicated at 148and portions 149 and 151 extending horizontally at each end thereofcarry the respective hearing portions 144 and 145 at'the extremitiesthereof.

The elongate portion 147 of the bracket 146 is enlarged intermediate theends thereof to is pivotally secured to the rod 172 intermediprovide abearing portion 152, and. a shaft 153 is journaled at one end therein.The opposite end of the shaft 153 is journaled'in a pillow block 154which may be bolted to the channel iron 13 as indicated at 155. Bevelgears of equal diameter 156 and 157 are rigidly securedupon the shafts153 and 141, respectively, by means of the set screws 158. The bevelgears 156 and 157 are adapted to intermesh and the shaft 141 therefordrives the shaft 153 at an equal rate of rotation. A sprocket wheel 159is keyed to the shaft 153 beyond the pillow block 154, and is adapted todrive a sprocket wheel 164 through the medium of a chain 165, as shownin Fig. 2. The sprocket wheel 164 is keyed upon a shaft 166 which isjournaled adjacent the opposite ends thereof in the pillow blocks 167-and 168. The pillow blocks are each bolted to one of the frame memberbars 25.

The shaft 166 has a crank arm 169 keyed thereto at the end of the. shaftopposite the sprocket wheel 164 and beyond the bearing 167. The end ofthis arm carries a pin 171 integral therewith, which pivotally engagesan opening in one end of an elongate rod or link 172. The opposite endof the rod 172 is cylindrical in form, as indicated at 173, and thisportion of the rod slidably moves within an opening in a guide block174. The block 174 is provided with a pin-like projection extendingtherefrom transversely to the opening in which the portion 173 isadapted to slide, and this pin is pivotally mounted in the upper portionof a plate 175. 175 may be riveted or otherwise conveniently secured tothe horizontal portion 18 of one of the frame members 16.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a pawl 176 i ate the pivotal point 171and the guide portion 173 by means of abolt 177, and the opposite end ofthe pawl is adapted to operatively engage the notches of a ratchet wheel178.

The plate This wheel which is rigidly secured upon a shaft 179 isjournaled within openings in each of the horizontal portions 18 of theframe members 16. The pawl 17 6 is resiliently maintained in operativeposition with respect to the teeth of the ratchet wheel 178, by means ofa coil spring 183, one end of which engages an opening intermediate theends of the pawl, the opposite end thereof being secured to a convenientportion of the machine by means of a bolt 184. A sprocket wheel 185 iskeyed upon the shaft j 179 approximately midway between the framememhere 16 and this sprocket. wheel is adapted to operatively engagelink elements 186 of a pusher type conveyor 187.

An idler sprocket wheel 188 is rotatably mounted upon a'sh'aft 189 whichis'secured within openings in each of the frame memhere 16 that arelocated where the vertical portions 15 and the horizontal portions. 18thereof join and this sprocket wheel co'operw ates with the sprocketwheel 185 to opera tively support the conveyor 187.

The conveyor 187 comprises a plurality of members 193 of substantiallyL-shape, each of which are formed of two sheet iron blanks of similarshape, which may be welded together at one end to form pusher fingers,as indicated by the numeral 194. Beyond the fingers 194 the blanks arespaced to form elements of the links 186 between which'portions of thesprocket wheels 185 and 188 are adapted to extend.

Openings are formed in the opposite ends of the spaced link portions186, and these openings are adapted to receive pins 195 which alsopivotally engage openings inthe ends of shorter links 186. The elementsof the shorter links 186 are also spaced to receive the sprocket wheels185 and 188 therebetween, and the spacing thereof may be maintained bymeans of shoulders upon the pins 195.

A plate 197 of approximately triangular shape is welded or otherwisefirmly secured upon the side of each of the fingers 194011 of the plateat the edge thereof opposite to the fingers 194. a

A short strap of sheet iron 199 is riveted to a portion of one of themembers 193 adj acent the finger portions 194 and extends approximatelynormally therefrom into the angle of the member 193. A small bolt 203extends through an opening in the projecting end of the strap 199, whichis adapted to cooperatively engage a slot 204 formed longitudinally in ashort strap of sheet iron 205. Ears 206 projecting from opposite sidesof the strap 205 at one end thereof and in a direction normally to thecenter line of the slot 204 are adapted to be bent about the strap199'in order to form the guides for the strap 205. The strap 205therefore isslidably mounted upon the strap 199,and the combined lengthof the straps may be varied by locating the strap 205 at differentpositions upon the other.

A pair of short straps 207, which are each bolted, as indicated at 208,to the horizontal portions 18 of one of the frame members 16 and extendtransversely to the horizontal portions 18, are provided with openingsat i the ends thereof opposite the bolts 208. A short rod or shaft 209may be conveniently secured at opposite ends in the'openings of thestraps 207 and a rocker arm 211 pivotally engages the, .shaft 209between the straps 207. One end of the rock arm 211 is bifurcated toprovide two spaced lugs 212, and-a pin 213 secured in openings in theends thereof, 'rotatably supports a roller member 214. The opposite end210 of the rocker arm 211 is provided with a plurality of spacedopenings215, which are adapted to receive one of the ends of a coil spring 216.The opposite end of the coil spring 216 is secured in an opening in thehorizontal portion of one of the frame members 16.

' The end 210 of the arm 211 may be offset a convenient distance fromthe plane of the roller 214, as indicated at 217, in order that theportion of the arm 210, provided with the openings 215, may be locateddirectly above the horizontal portion 18 of the frame member 16. Theroller 214 serves to maintain the chain portion of the conveyor 187taut,and the tighteningefiect of the roller 214 may be varied by locating theproper end of the coil spring 216 in a different one of the openings215.

It is evident that a... Shaft 141 will, by virtue of the ratchet andpawl mechanism actuated thereby, impart to the conveyor 187 a rotativemotion which is intermittent, and

as a result thereof, the fingers 194 will be moved for a distance andthen stop abruptly for predetermined intervals of time. The number andspacing of the teeth upon the ratchet wheel 178 is such that one of thefingers 194 will always stop in the position designated by the numeral218, and that during each period of motion, the fingers will move adistance equal to the spacing between adjacent fingers. The relativetiming of the motion of the conveyor 187 and the wheel 98 is such thatthe carton displaced from the :guideway 131 by the wheel 98 moves into a,position directly between a pair of the fingers 194 during an intervalwhen the conveyor 187 is at rest. Immediately thereafter, when theconveyor 187 moves a distance equal to the s acing between the fingers194, the end of t e strap 204 engages the carton 134 near the topthereof and the carton is tilted. about one of its lower corners untilit falls into a horizontal position. Further movement of the conveyor187 carries the finger 194 into engagement with the side of thecartonupon which it previously rested and the carton is then pushed intothe dotted line position indicated by the numeral 219. A repetition ofthis cycle of operation places another carton between the fingers 194and this carton is operated upon in like manner, the

carton indicated at 219 being moved into the piece of sheet iron 227.which is'provided with an opening 228. The opening 228 may be formed inthe sheet iron plate 227 by cutting a vertical slit therein and bendingthe edges of the plate adjacent the slit, as indicated at 229.

An extension of the plate 227 connects with and forms a part of theguideway 131 and may be secured thereto by means of rivets 233.Likewise, a portion of one of the plates 226 is bent. at right angles tothe guideway 224 at a point spaced from the end plate 227 approximatelythe width of a carton and the bent portion thereof is'secured to onewall of the guideway 131 by means of rivets 234 and forms a side of theguideway-131 opposite tothat formed by the extension of the plate 227.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, blocks 235 are arranged on the top sideof each of the frame members 25 and machine'screws 36 are adapted toextend through the members 25 and into the blocks 235. A flange 236 isformed on the lower edge at one'end ofeach of the plates 226, and theseflanges are adapted to rest upon and to be fastened to the blocks 235 bymeans of suitable screws 237. The end of the plates 226 opposite to thatsupported by the blocks 235 may be supported by plates 238, which have aflange portion at each end thereof, and the flange at one end of theplates is adapted to engage correspondingflanges on the ends of each ofthe plates 226. The flanges may be secured together by means of theslotted bolts 239. At I strapsof sheet metal and supported at each ofthe ends thereof by means of angular brackets 243. One leg of each ofthe brackets 243 may be secured to the rails 225 by means j of therivets 244 while the transversely extending ends thereof rest upon theframe members 25 and maybe secured thereto in any convenient manner. Aportion along the lower edge of each of the side portions 226 may bebent upwardly, as indicated at 245, forming a trough-like recess whichis adapted to collect glue or dirt therein to prevent the same fromfalling upon the working parts of the mechanism below.

Upon the rotating shaft 166, which drives the ratchet and pawl mechanismand consequently the conveyor 187 with-an intermittent motion, is acam-246, as shown in Figs. 3 and 10, which is located betweenthesprocket164 and the pillow blocks 168. The cam may be rigidly secured upon theshaft by means of a set screw 247. A shaft 248 extends through 0 eningsin each of the rails 225 and also the side plates 226 and is adapted tobe rotatably journalled therein. One end of the shaft 248 carries acollar 249 rigidly mounted there upon, which abuts the adj acent sideplate 226 while the opposite end of the shaft carries a rocker arm 251.The rocker arm 251 is splined upon the shaft 248 and 'may be preventedfrom sliding therefrom by means of a washer 252. The washer is adaptedto engage the rocker arm and the end of the shaft 248, and is secured tothe shaft by means of a suitable screw 253. v

One end of the rocker arm 251 is bifurcated A to formlugs 254 betweenwhich a roller memwhich is adapted to receive one end of a coiledtension spring 258, and the other end of which is adapted to be fastenedto any convenient portion of the frame. A pair of angular brackets 259are rigidly secured upon each end of the shaft 248 outside of andimmediately adjacent to each of the plates 226.

An offset portion 263inone of. the brackets 259 supports a portionthereof which engages the rocker arm 251 and prevents the arm fromsliding on the shaft 248 in the direction away from the washer 252.Ofi'set portions 264 of each of the angular brackets 259 are providedwith flanges 265 bent at right angles to the planes of the portions 264.Adjustable plates 266, having elongate slots therein which extend in adirection parallel to the planes of the angular brackets 259, aresecured to the flanges 265 by means of bolts 267. Y These bolts, whichextend through openings in the flanges 265 and the elongate slots in theplates 266 are adapted to permit relative adjustment of the position ofthe plates with respect to the flange. The plates 266 are each providedwith flanges 268, formed on the ad jacent sides of the plates whichextend in planes parallel to the planes of the brackets- 259. It isevident from an inspection of the structure just described that thebrackets ,centri'c portion and a lug portion, the'surface of whichextends beyond the radius of the concentric portion. The roller 255 isadapted to' engage the cam 246 and is maintained in engagement therewithby means of the tension spring 258. When the roller 255 rests upon theconcentric surface of the cam 246,

the flanges 268 serve as stops which abut against a carton when it is inthe position illustrated by the numeral 223, and the plates 266 may beso adjusted upon the flanges 265 that the carton will be rigidly securedbetween the flanges 268 and the adjacent finger 194 of the conveyor 187.

As the shaft 166 rotates the cam 246, the lug portion of the cam engagesthe roller 255 and the angular brackets 259 are rotated about the shaft248 raising the flanges 268 out of the pathof the cartonpreviouslyengaged'thereby, which is then free to be moved by the contacting finger194.

In order to prevent any portion of the carton from disengaging thesupporting rails 225, in the position indicated by the numeral 223, Iprovide a pair of guide brackets 220 which may be secured in ahorizontal position adjacent the upper edge of the side plates 226 bymeans of the small bolts. The brackets 220 are provided withtransversely extending flanges 221 which serve as horizontal guidesurfaces for the edges at the upper surface of the carton. The ends ofthe flanges 221, under which the carton first moves, are inclinedupwardly, as indicated at 222, in order to insure unobstructed movementof the carton. I

. Having now described the mechanism which conveys the cartons into themachine and securely maintains one of them in the desired position, Iwill now proceed to the description of the structure and operation ofthe mechanism which is adapted to seal the flaps while the. carton is inthis position.

A pair of elongate iron bars at 271, which are spaced, as illustrated byFig. 1, extend across the machine at right angles to the bars 25, andeach of the bars 271 are secured to each of the bars 25 by means ofbolts 272, as best shown in Fig. 3. Two identical brackets 273, eachhaving a horizontal portionand two vertical portions extendingdownwardly therefrom and provided with bent portions at the lower endsthereof are secure'dito the bars'271 by means of bolts 274. Oneof thebrackets is secured to-the bars 271 intermeout, but various points. ofthe recess are located at unequal distances from the center r 5 'ofrotation of the wheel. The recess 277 is adapted toserve as a camsurface upon the opposite edges of which a roller 278 intermittentlyrests. The roller 278 is rotatably secured upon a pin27 9, whichprojects from one side of 'a member 281. The member 281 is bifurcated atthe end adjacent the roller 278 to provide a guideway 282, in which theshaft 141 is adapted to rotate. The end of the member 281 opposite theguideway 282 is provided with spaced lugs 283, between which one end ofan elongate bar 284 is pivotally secured by means of a bolt 285. Theopposite end of the bar 284 is pivotally secured upon a pin 290 whichextends between lugs 286, projecting from one end of a link 287.

Between the ends of the bar 284 and more closely adj acent' the endthereof which is attached to the member 281, a pin 288 extending throughthe bar extends within an opening in a 'pair of lugs 289 which areformed at the end of a link 291, thus forming a ivotal connectionbetween the member 281 and the bar 284. An opening in the bar 284 spacedmidway between the pins 288 and 286 is adapted to receive a bolt 292. Acollar 293, having a longitudinal opening therein, s

disposed aboutthe bolt 292 between the bar 284 and the channel iron 13.The bolt 292 extends from the opening in the collar 293,-

through an opening in the channel iron 13 and engages a lock nut 294,located upon the opposite side of the channel iron 13. The cam surface277 within the annular member 27 5 carries the roller 278 upon either ofthe opposed surfaces thereof, and the member 281 is thereby reciprocatedtransversely of the shaft 141, which rotates within the guideway 282.

The bar 284,being pivoted thereto at 283, is consequently oscillatedabout its pivotal point 292', and this movement of the bar 284intermittently moves the links 291 and 287 equal distances in oppositedirections.

The links 287 and 291 are identical in construction and each of thelinks actuates aseparate unit of mechanism which is located upon each ofthe ends of the pair of frame bars 271 at opposite sides of theframebars The separate units of mechanism so located are also identicalin every detail of construction, the only difference being the motion ofthe elements of the units which is in relatively opposite directions. Itis therefore obviously unnecessary to make a duplicate description ofthese units and in order to avoid confusion, only one of them will bedescribed. The reference characters employed may therefore be consideredto apply to the elements of either of the units.

The end of the link 287 opposite to the pivotal point 290 is providedwith lugs 295 and a bolt 296 which extends between the lugs pivotallyengages the end of a crank arm 297. The opposite end'of the arm 297 isrigidly secured upon a shaft 298, which is journalled at opposite endsin aligned openings in cache the bars 271. As shown in Fig. 3, a pair ofidentical arms 299 are rigvidly secured to the ends of the shaft 298,which project beyond the bars'271. The ends of the arms 299 opposite theshaft 298 are provided with openings which are adapted to slidablyengage bolts 303.

As indicated in Fig. 3, a reciprocating shuttle member 304 is providedwith a por .ings in the ends of the arms 299.

. The parallel bars 306 of the shuttle 304 are slidably journalled inopenings in an end plate 309, as indicated at 313. The end plate 309 isprovided with a flange 314, as

best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, along the lower edge thereof, eachend of which is adapted to rest upon the upper end portion of one of thecross bars 271, the ends being secured thereto b means of the bolts 315.The shuttle 304, t erefore, is adapted to reciprocate within theopenings 313 by the rocking of the arms 299 upon their pivotal pointswithin the shaft 298.

The guide members 308 each comprise a straight portion which is adaptedto lie adj acent to the section 307 of one of the parallel portions 306and a portion 316 in parallel alignment therewith,- butslightlyoflsettherefrom. The extreme end of the portions 316 of theguide members 308 may be inclined from opposite surfaces thereof intorelatively sharp edges and the corners thereof may be rounded in suchman- 'ner that the ends of each of the members will be similar to awedge. By reason of this configuration, the guide portions 316 "aresuitably adapted to be inserted beneath the end fla s of a carton, theflaps having previously be n closed. A lug.317 projects at right anglesto the wedge shaped end of each of the guide members 308 andeach of thelugs is of wedge shape cross-section.

Arecess 318 is formed in each of the portions 316 at the side thereoftowards which one of the lugs 3l7-projects and extends between the lugand those portions of the guide member which engage the flattenedsection of the shuttle 304. Rocker-like members 319 are pivotedVertically upon each of the guides 308 by means of pins 323 and areadapted to reciprocate as a portion of the guide member units. Therocker-like members each comprise a portion 322, of substantially U-shape, which is adapted to carry the pin 323 between the parallelsections thereof. An ofl-set finger-like portion 324, which projectsfrom the base of the member 322, extends into the recess 318 inalignment with the guide portion 316, and an'arm 325 extends from one ofthe parallel sections of the member 322 in approximate alignment withone of the arms 306 of the shuttle 304;

Another pin 326 extends between the parallel sections of each of themembers 322 and is spaced beyond the pin 323 a \convenient distance fromthe guide member 308. Rods 327, each having a flattened extension 328 atone end thereof, are each inserted within one of two spaced openings inthe end plate 309, and nuts 329 threadably engage a threaded end portionof each of the rods on the opposite sides of the plate. The flattenedportions 328 of the rods 327 are each provided with slots 331 inalignment therewith through each of which one of the pins 326 is adaptedto extend; The flattened portions 328 are also provided with lugs 332,which project normally to the surfaces thereof, and have threadedopenings formed therein which extend in. parallel alignment with thesurface of the portion 328. Stop members 333 are each provided withslots which extend in alignment with the slots 331 and bolts 334slidably engage the slots to maintain each of the members 333 againstthe ortions 328. Machine screws 335, having loc nuts therefor, extendthrough the threaded openings in the lugs 332 and are adapted to abutendwise against flanges 336, which are formed at one end of the stopmember 333,v The ends of the sto members 333 opposite the flanges 336are a apted to extend over the adjacent end of the slots 331 andthe'relative position of the stop members with respect to the slots maybe determined by appropriate adjustment of the machine screws 335. Thepins 326, as they reciprocate with the shuttle 304, are adapted toengage the stops 333 at one limit of their motion, and at the oppositelimit the pins are adapted to engage the end of the slots 331 remotefrom the stops. Appropriate'adjustment of the stops 333 is adapted tovary the first limit, and proper adjustment of the nuts 329 is adaptedto vary the second.

ing enlargements 337 intermediate the poris adapted to serve as an axis341 of the follower member assembly.

A lug 342, spaced from and in parallel alignment wlth the axis 341, isintegrally connected thereto by means of an integral connecting portion343. The squared end of a rod 344 is adapted toextend through an"opening of similar shape in the axis portion 341, and the opposite endof the rod, which may be circular, if desired, extends through a similaropening in the lug 342. A collar 345, which is positioned intermediatethe lug 342 and the axis 341, may be conveniently supported against apin which extends transversely through the rod 344 on the side of thewasher adjacent the axis 341, and a coil spring 346 is adapted tosurround the rod 344 with its opposite ends abutting the washer 345 andthe lug 342. The squared 7 end of the rod 344.beyond the axis 341 isprovided with a pin 347, which is adapted to extend through an openingin the extreme end of the arm 325, which projects from one of theparallel sides of the U-shaped portion 322 of the rocker-like member319.

' It is evident from the description of the in alignment, the spring 346will tend to cause rotation of the rocker-like member 319 about itspivotal point 323 in the direction in which the pin 347 varies from thealignment of the other points. The direction of rotation of therocker-like member 319, which the spring 346 may tend to produce isdetermined by the positiomof a pin 348 which extends from the portion3430f t-he guide bracket 339. This piii is adapted to extend into a camopening349 which is formed within one of the plane surfaces of anangular plate 353, a flange of which may be secured to the end plate 309by means of the bolts 354. The cam opening 349 is defined by a number ofeffective surfaces which may be illustrated by the numerals 355, 356,357, 358 and 359. The upper surface of the bracket 353 is adapted tosupport appropriate spacing lugs 361, and a spaced plate 362, which issecured upon the lugs by means of screws 363, covers the Each of theparallel bars 306 of the shuttle. 304'are also provided with laterallyextend cam opening 349. D

A carton in the position within the machine illustrated by the numeral223 has one of the larger end flaps thereof attached to the uppersurface of the carton as it rests in this position, and thecorresponding flap at the opposite end attached to the lower forsupporting surface thereof.

, The guide members 308 are adapted to be arranged in such manner withrespect to the end flaps of the carton that each of the lugs 317 willextend in a direction towards the side of the carton from which thelarger end closing flap is attached. The relative ar-.

rangement of the recesses 318 and the lugs 317 will therefore beopposite at eachend of the carton. This, however, is not an essentialdifference in the construction of the members, but is rather anadaptation of the machine which depends entirely upon the' constructionof the cartons.

As the shuttle 304 reciprocates under the influence of the arms 299,each of the guide members 319 and-thecorresponding finger 324 moveinwardly between one of the short flaps and the larger end closing fiapof the carton with the pin 348 sliding uponthe sur- 9 face 355 of thecam opening 349. The surface 355 of the cam 349, being slightly curvedout of alignment with the motion of the shuttle 304, tends to move theaxis341, and the pins 347 and 323 into direct alignment, but the pin 347does not, however, cross a strai ht line extending between the othertwo. T is slight rotation of the rocker-like member 319 likewise doesnot move the glue fingers 324 out of alignment with the portion 316 ofthe guide members 308, but as the pin 348 approaches the end of thesurface355 adjacent 4' the surface 356, the pin 326 is adapted to strikethe end of the guideway 331 opposite to the stop member 333. I

As the limit of travel of the shuttle 304 has not yet been reached, thepin 326, which rests against'the end of'the guideway 331,

abruptly rotates the rocker member 319 about its axis 323 and the gluefingers 324 move out of alignment with the portions 316 and against theshort flaps which extend from the sides of the carbon adjacent each ofthe larger flaps. Simultaneously with this movement of the'fingers 324,the arm 325 of e the rocker member319 carries the pin 347 across thealignment of the pins 341 and 323. The axis 348 is consequentlyl movedrapidly across the surface 356 of the cam opening 349 and the spring 346tends to maintain the pin at'the end of this'surface opposite thesurface 355. The limit of the motion of the shuttle 304 in thisdirection having then been reached, the return motion of the shuttlebegins and the pin 348 traverses the surface 357. During this motion thefingers 324 are always carried in the same position relative to theportion 316 of the guide members 308 which they occupied when theshuttle 304 was at its inner limit of travel,

and as the pin 348 descends upon the surface 358, the fingers '324'aremoved farther out of alignment with the guide portions 316. When the pin348 reaches the end of the surface 359 adjacent the surface 358, themovement of the fingers 324 in this d1rect1on ceases. tinues and the pin348 begins to traverse the surface 359, the motion of the lingers 324reverses and they again tend to assume a position in alignment with theguide portions 316.

- While the pin 348 is moved upon the sur- .carries a bearing bracket364, best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, which is securely fastened there- Asthe motion of the shuttle con to by means of bolts 365. The bearingbrackets 364 comprise a vertically extending portion 366, which isfastened at the upper end thereof to the brackets 273, and a horizontalsection 367 which extends transversely from the lower end thereof. Thesection 367 is provided with a longitudinal opening there in which isadapted to receive the shaft 368, one end of which carries a sprocketwheel 369 rigidly mounted thereupon. The sprocket wheel '369 is drivenby a chain 371, which is carried at its opposite end by a sprocket.

wheel 372."

The sprocket wheel 37 2 is rigidly secured upon one end of a shaft 373,which is ournalled in the horizontal portion 18 of each of the framemembers 16. The opposite end of the shaft 373 is provided with asprocket wheel 374, as shown in Fig. 2, rigidly secured thereto,identical with the sprocket wheel 373 and a sprocket wheel 375 is alsosecured upon this end of the shaft between the sprocket wheel 374, andthe horizontal portion 18 of one of the frame members 16. The sprocketwheel 375 is driven through the medium of a chain 377 by a sprocketwheel 376, which is rigidly secured upon the end of the shaft 179opposite to the ratchet wheel 178.

The end of the shaft 368 opposite to that which carries the sprocketwheel 369,. as shown in Fig. 4, is provided with a disk 378 rigidlysecured thereupon by means of a set screw 379, and the disk 378 is'proVided with a peripheral groove 381.

A pan 382 is adapted to extend through an opening in the end plate 309and is supported at one end thereof upon the lower edge of the openingby means of brackets 383. The opposite end of the pan 382 is supportedupon one of the frame members 25 by any convenient manner against thebottom of the pan 382; A quantity .of sealing liquid 385 is adapted tobe contained within the pan 382 and the grooved wheel 378- is positionedso that the edge thereof extends within the pan and into the sealingliquid.

The shaft 17 9, upon the end of which the sprocket wheel 376. is rigidlymounted, is intermittently rotated and consequently the groovedwheel-381, which is driven thereby, is also intermittently rotated. Suchintermittent rotation of the wheel 378, however, is not'necessary to thesuccessful operation of this machine and the wheel may be drivencontinuously, if so desired.

It is evident that as the wheel 378 rotates with a. portion thereofextending be neath the lever of the sealing liquid v385 contained-withinthe pan 382, a small quantity of the sealing liquid will adhere to theperiphery of the wheel. The surface tension of the liquid upon theperiphery of the wheel 378 causes a large part of the liquid to becollected in the vicinity of the groove 381 and'the liquid thuscollected extends outwardly from the wheel beyond the circumwheel andsome of the sealing liquid which,

ference thereof.

There is another of the sealing liquid units identical to the onedescribed above which is driven-by a sprocket wheel 374 and anotherchain 371. These units are located at opposite sides of the machine andeach cooperates withthe elements of one of the shuttles 304. Y

The diameter and location of the wheel 378 is such that the fingers 324,when moved 40 face 358 of the cam opening 349, approach closely adjacentto opposite. edges of the extends from the circumference thereof isdeposited upon'e'ach of the fingers. The sealing liquid, which is thusdeposited upon the fingers, is carried inwardly by the opposite movementof the shuttle 304 and transferred to the short flaps of the carton whenthe pin 326 engages the end of the slot 331 opposite to the stop 333.

A bracket 388' is secured to each of the side plates 226 of the guideway224 adjacent the portion of the wheels 37 8, which are reatright anglesthereto, and oppositely disposed "adjusting screws 392 having lock nuts393 are threaded into the lugs 391 through aligned openings therein.

Angular arms 394 are pivotally supported against each of the plates 388by means-of a bolt 395 and one end ofeach of the arms is adapted to beengaged upon opposite surfaces thereof by a pair of the adjusting screws392. The opposite end of the arm 394 is bifurcated to form the in s 396and the inner edges of the lugs are a apted to slidably engage the adacent portion of one of the grooved disks 378. The sealing liquid whichmay adhere to the sides of the grooved disk 378 adjacent the groovededge thereof will be scraped therefrom by the lugs 396, and, due to theangular position at which the lugs are arranged with respect to'thecircumference thereof at this point, the liquid will be directed intothe vicinity of the groove 381. The closed end of-the slot between thelugs 396 is adapted to limit the amount of the liquid upon the edge ofthe wheel which may pass this point, and any desired Variation of thelimitation .of the sealing material thereby may be effected by theappropriate adjustment of the position of the opposite end of thebracket between the screws 392.

Immediately after the sealing of the flaps of the carton, when it is inthe position indicated by the numeral 223, the stops 268 rise from infront thereof and one of. the fingers 194 moves the carton from thisposition. During this movement of the. carton, 'the finger immediatelyin front thereof moves into the osition indicated by the numeral 397,and being then out of alignment with the guideway224 it does not preventthe.

table 399. as best shown in Fig. 7. One side of the rocker table 399 issupported by one end of a rocker arm 401, which is'pivotally supportedupon the rotating shaft 166. The other side of the rocker table 399 issupported by an arm 402,- as best shown in Fig. 3, which is merelyadapted to rock-idly upon the shaft 166. A lever portion 403 of therocker arm 401 is pivotally secured to one end of a link 404 by means ofa pin 405, and the opposite end of the link 404 is also pivotallysecured to one end of anotherrocker arm 406, by means of a pin 407. Therocker arm 406 is pivotally secured between lugs 408 extending from 'alowermost web 413 of the b acket 409, by means of a pin 411. 'Thebracket 409 is adapted to extend across the frame bars 25 and maybeconveniently secured upon the under side of each of the bars, asillustrated by the bolts 412.

The opposite end of the rocker arm 406 is provided with lugs 414, inwhich a so-

